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Fender 1954 Fender Stratocaster #0001

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Page last updated Apr 12, 2026

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Description

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The 1954 Fender Stratocaster #0001 is an iconic piece of music history, celebrated for its groundbreaking design and timeless sound. This first-ever Stratocaster is a testament to Fender's innovation in electric guitar craftsmanship. Known for its contoured body and three single-coil pickup configuration, the Stratocaster established a new standard for electric guitars, captivating musicians across generations.

Its influence stretches across genres, from rock and blues to jazz, making it a versatile choice for any guitarist seeking a classic yet dynamic tone. The Stratocaster's unique tremolo bridge, often referred to as the "synchronized tremolo," allows for expressive pitch modulation, adding a new dimension to your playing style.

Owning the 1954 Fender Stratocaster #0001 is not just about having a guitar; it's about possessing a piece of musical heritage. This model's meticulously crafted ash body and maple neck provide a rich, resonant sound that has defined countless hit records. Whether you're a collector, a professional musician, or an enthusiast, this guitar offers both historical significance and exceptional playability.

Key Features:

First production model of the Fender Stratocaster
Ash body with a maple neck
Three single-coil pickups for versatile sound
Contoured body for comfort
Synchronized tremolo bridge for pitch modulation
Vintage-style tuners for accurate tuning stability

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1954 Fender Stratocaster #0001.

Features and functionality

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The 1954 Fender Stratocaster #0001 is recognized not as the first Stratocaster made, but as a ceremonial piece made for a distributor by Leo Fender.
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Other

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The guitar was part of Pink Floyd's "Another Brick in the Wall, pt. II," specifically for its funk rhythm parts.
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It has a gold anodized pickguard, a feature seen in some early '54 models, though variations exist with different plates.
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The guitar was acquired by David Gilmour in 1978 from his guitar technician, Phil Taylor, who had bought it from Seymour Duncan for $900.
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Critic Reviews

The #0001 Stratocaster – gilmourish

gilmourish.com

The 1954 Fender Stratocaster #0001, linked to David Gilmour, stirs fascination with its mythical aura and storied past. While boasting historical significance and unique features like gold hardware, its origins are murky, with debates over whether it's a genuine piece or a "Frankenstein" of parts. Despite its mysterious provenance, its role in iconic recordings and Gilmour's frequent use lend it undeniable charm. However, prospective collectors should be wary of its authenticity issues, as the lore might overshadow its actual value. A blend of intrigue and skepticism surrounds this legendary instrument.

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Guitar Mysteries: The History of #0001 Stratocaster | Ultimate Guitar

ultimate-guitar.com

The review dives into the enigmatic history of the 1954 Fender Stratocaster #0001, a guitar with a muddled past and legendary ownership by David Gilmour. While its storied journey and ties to rock royalty add allure, the guitar's origins are shrouded in conflicting accounts, with debates over its authenticity as a true original or a "partscaster." Its hefty auction price underscores its value as a collector's item, yet the lack of definitive provenance might leave purists wary. Ultimately, it's a fascinating relic more for its mystique than its musical pedigree.

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David Gilmour's 1954 Fender Stratocaster #0001 – Ground Guitar

groundguitar.com

David Gilmour's 1954 Fender Stratocaster #0001 is a legendary piece of music history, cherished for its unique serial number and impeccable craftsmanship. Acquired by Gilmour in 1978, this iconic guitar has been a studio staple, contributing to tracks on his solo album and Pink Floyd's "The Wall." While Gilmour lauds it as the "perfect Stratocaster," and its auction price reflects its revered status, its historical significance means it's rarely seen live. The guitar's storied past and Gilmour's endorsement make it a collector's dream, but its rarity and price may limit its appeal to only the most dedicated aficionados.

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David Gilmour

Guitarist

Pink Floyd

Verified via YouTube

David Gilmour can be seen playing this 1954 Stratocaster guitar in this video.

"I'll use the old Number 1 once in awhile. It's a beautiful, beautiful guitar, but, you know, it's been about, and it feels quite delicate. You wouldn't want to thrash that around, especially not on the road. I actually don't like taking any of the older ones out on the road because there's always the possibility that things like that get stolen. The Strats that I do use, which are sort of early 1980s and '57 vintage Strats made in California, with one or two minor modifications to them, are so good that I'm comfortable with them and they're all I use most of the time, even in the studio." - guitar.com interview done in 2015.

Synyster Gates

Singer, Guitarist

Avenged Sevenfold

Verified via YouTube

At 9:42, Synyster gates breaks down the track 'The Stage' with the bands lead vocalist, M. Shadows. Here he explains that the chime-y sound heard of the song 'the stage' (and most likely the rest of the chimey clean tones heard on the album) are used by mixing different guitars together, which includes his signature schecter, a "54 strat", and a "nash telecaster". He shows off this guitar in an interview\podcast with producer rick beato (link to that podcast is here. skip to 31:40 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQVZ1J0Mvlo&t=28s )